Vibrant Greek Orzo Salad With Feta – A Mediterranean Delight

Greek Orzo Salad With Feta dances upon your taste buds like a Greek dancer at a wedding, bursting with vibrant colors and even more vibrant flavors. Imagine the zesty zing of lemon mingling with the creamy richness of feta—a match made in culinary heaven. Grain bowl with feta dressing This delightful dish is not just a salad; it’s a celebration of Mediterranean goodness that can elevate any gathering, from sunny picnics to cozy family dinners.

Picture this  it’s a balmy summer evening, friends gathered around the grill, laughter echoing as you serve bowls of this irresistible Greek Orzo Salad With Feta. Everyone’s eyes widen with anticipation as they dive into the colorful medley. Quinoa bowl for summer meals The crunch of fresh vegetables and the chewiness of orzo pasta create an orchestra of textures that keeps them coming back for seconds—trust me, it’s that good!

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my cousin’s wedding where this salad stole the show—everyone asked for the secret ingredient! Classic Panzanella salad recipe.

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Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Orzo Pasta: Choose high-quality orzo for a consistent texture that holds up well in salads. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Pasta Delight recipe.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for sweet, ripe tomatoes to add bursts of flavor throughout the salad.
• Cucumber: Use crisp cucumbers for crunch; English cucumbers work great since they have fewer seeds.
• Red Onion: Finely chop to infuse a touch of sharpness without overwhelming other flavors.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess; go for authentic Greek feta when possible for best results.
• Kalamata Olives: Pitted olives provide a briny kick that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the dish with freshness and color.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens all flavors; avoid bottled juice if possible for optimal taste.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient in your salad.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Orzo Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Add Vegetables and Feta: In a large mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Mix gently so everything stays intact.

Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Gently fold everything together using a spatula until all ingredients are well coated with dressing.

Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld beautifully.

Enjoy this delightful Greek Orzo Salad With Feta as your taste buds dance through each bite! Cilantro lime rice bowls.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the orzo in salted boiling water until al dente. While that’s happening, chop your veggies and prepare the dressing to save time and ensure everything is fresh.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein. You can also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese if you want to shake things up a bit.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Greek Orzo Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For serving later, just add a splash of olive oil and toss gently before enjoying.

Sometimes while preparing this dish, I remember when my cousin first tasted it at a family barbecue. The way his eyes lit up made me realize I had created something special that everyone could enjoy together.

FAQ

What is a good substitute for feta cheese?

Try crumbled goat cheese or sharp cheddar for a unique twist.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance for enhanced flavor.

Is orzo gluten-free?

Traditional orzo is not gluten-free; however, you can find gluten-free alternatives available.

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Greek Orzo Salad With Feta

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• Author: Teprod
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Greek Orzo Salad with Feta is a refreshing Mediterranean dish that combines the delightful flavors of orzo pasta, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta cheese. Perfect for picnics or family gatherings, this vibrant salad bursts with color and taste, making it a crowd-pleaser. With its easy preparation and versatile ingredients, it’s a fantastic addition to any meal. Enjoy it as a light main course or a complementary side dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. 1. Cook the orzo: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add orzo and cook until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. 2. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.
3. 3. Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
4. 4. Toss salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently combine until everything is well coated.
5. 5. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: - For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or chickpeas. - Feel free to substitute feta with goat cheese for a different flavor profile. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; refresh with a splash of olive oil before serving.